Breast cancer occurs when abnormal cells develop in the tissue of the breast. It can present as a palpable lump, a change in the skin or nipple, or remain silent and only be detected through imaging — which is why regular screening matters, particularly after age 40 or in the presence of a family history.
What Is Breast Cancer?
When to See a Doctor — Warning Signs
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A palpable lump or mass in the breast or underarm
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A change in the size, shape or skin of the breast (dimpling, an "orange peel" texture, or redness)
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Nipple discharge or retraction
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A family history of breast or ovarian cancer
These signs don't necessarily mean cancer, but they warrant a consultation for further assessment.
Screening and Diagnosis
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Breast specialist consultation and clinical examination
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Breast ultrasound
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Mammography
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Breast biopsy
If a suspicious finding is present, to confirm the diagnosis before any treatment decision.
Surgical Treatment Options
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Breast-Conserving Surgery (Lumpectomy)
Removal of only the tumor area, when its size and location allow it.
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Mastectomy
Complete removal of the breast, when breast-conserving surgery isn't indicated.
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Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
Assessment of lymph node involvement, to limit axillary node clearance when possible. This is performed using indocyanine green (ICG), a fluorescent dye tracked with an infrared camera, allowing precise, real-time localization of the sentinel node without the use of a radioactive tracer.
Breast reconstruction, either immediate or delayed, may be considered as part of ongoing care (see Breast Reconstruction).
Follow-Up After Treatment
Regular follow-up is put in place after treatment, combining clinical examination and imaging, to check for recurrence and support the patient over the long term.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Many breast cancers are detected only through imaging, before any lump becomes palpable. This is why regular screening remains essential even without symptoms.
It depends on the tumor's size, location, and its ratio to the overall breast volume; Dr Sefrioui evaluates this option after the imaging work-up.
In some cases, immediate reconstruction is possible; this is discussed on a case-by-case basis depending on the type of cancer and any planned adjuvant treatment.
This depends on your coverage (CNSS, CNOPS, or private/international health insurance); we recommend checking the terms with your provider before your consultation.
It's a technique for locating the sentinel lymph node using a fluorescent dye, indocyanine green, visualized with an infrared camera. It's an alternative to the traditional radioactive tracer method, with the advantage of real-time localization without any exposure to radioactivity.